The SBU dismantled a gang of extortionists in Ivano-Frankivsk
The Security Service of Ukraine, in cooperation with the National Police, has detained an influential figure in the criminal underworld in Ivano-Frankivsk Oblast.
This was reported by the Security Service of Ukraine’s office in Ivano-Frankivsk Oblast.
The suspect specialized in extorting large sums of money from local business owners, using the pretext of “repaying non-existent debts.”
During the most recent documented incident, the extortionist demanded $150,000 from a businessman.
The investigation established that the detainee had previously been an active member of a gang led by a well-known criminal figure nicknamed “Khramy.”
He later broke away and began his own criminal “career,” recruiting several local residents into his gang.
The group systematically exerted psychological and physical pressure on business representatives in the region, attempting to gain control over their assets.
In particular, law enforcement officers documented how the suspect intimidated a businessman from Ivano-Frankivsk.
In addition to cash, the perpetrator demanded that the victim transfer ownership of two apartments to him.
To force the victim to pay, the “boss” resorted to constant late-night calls, threats of violence against relatives, and the destruction of property. When the intimidation tactics failed, he organized an attack on the man.
During authorized searches of the suspects’ residences, law enforcement officers discovered irrefutable evidence of illegal activity.
Among the items seized were copies of IOUs that the victims were forced to write under torture and pressure.
Mobile phones containing messages confirming the extortion were also seized, along with bank cards intended to receive the funds.
Currently, the criminal leader has been notified of charges under Part 4 of Article 189 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine—extortion committed under martial law.
The court imposed the strictest preventive measure on him: detention without the right to bail. Under the charged article, the suspect faces up to 12 years in prison with full confiscation of property.
As a reminder, the SBU exposed an FSB agent who was passing information about the Armed Forces of Ukraine to the enemy.
An FSB agent was sentenced to 15 years for attempting to blow up the Kherson TCC.
The SBU detained an FSB agent while attempting to blow up a power substation in Kropyvnytskyi.
The SBU detained an FSB agent who was coordinating strikes against Kryvyi Rih’s energy infrastructure.
